Photo #1: Cement
In my first picture, I captured a walkway of cracked cement. One compositional element I used was leading lines of the outline of the walkway leading your eye towards the back center and the curved lines of the cracked cement going in all directions leading your eye down the walkway and through the picture smoothly. The use of a worms eye point of view also contributed to the interesting composition. The sharp texture of the cement became apparent giving a realistic feel to it. Technically to capture a successful picture I placed the camera on the cement for a clear shot, free from a shaky, blurry outcome. The use of natural, mid-afternoon lighting helped enhance the subject and details. Again, I captured the picture from a low, worms eye view point to change up the everyday view of things and took it at a horizontally straight angle. I would say I showed an interesting point of view with an appealing and different subject. If it was just a plain cement walkway it wouldn't be as interesting, but the cracks throughout the cement make an ordinary picture standout more , holding the viewers attention.
Photo #2: Water Reflection
My second picture is of a reflection of a shed through the water of a stream. A compositional technique I used was framing a part of the bridge above the stream at the left bottom edge of the picture. Also, the lines and shapes add to the composition, where the edge of the bridge and both outer sides of the stream form lines along with the shape of the triangular roof of the shed. The use of an above/birds eye point of view brings about a different perspective as well. In order to compose this picture I had to consider the technical aspects of the camera. There is a small sense of shallow depth of field with the bridge more in focus and the reflection a bit blurry, which was possible by changing the aperture of the camera. Also the contrast of darks and lights are smooth throughout. The use of color of the green grass gave more pop and awakening around the subject matter. Point of view and camera angle were greatly considered since I wanted the bridge to be in the foreground and the reflection in the background and the only way to do this was to take it from above at a certain angle to capture the whole shed. The natural lighting also allowed for a clear reflection through the stream. Artistically I was able to create a gloomy and cold sense of mood since there are more grays, the subject is darker in comparison to its surroundings, and the sun isn't giving of strong sunlight, but a rather cloudy, dull look. The view point is quite interesting since its is not boring and and an everyday viewpoint. Therefore, the subject and unexpected composition give for a picture that holds the viewers attention.
Photo #3: Stones
The third picture I took was of stones separating the concrete from the wood chips/dirt. The first compositional technique I used was pattern/repetition of the stones creating a straight line one after the other. A second technique was the use of the rule of thirds by lining up the right edge of the path of stones with the right vertical line of a grid and having the first stone hit an intersecting point establishing a focal point. There is also a detail of the texture of the stone and leaves throughout. Some technical aspects that were put into play was a good contrast of blacks and whites, the stones give off a whiter tone symmetrically splitting both sides that have a darker tone. The natural light gives off a smooth, detailed look as the sunlight is shining through in the background. Also the focus is mainly on the first two stones in the foreground since they are in the sharpest detail in comparison to the rest of the picture. Before taking this picture I considered distance since I wanted the path of stones to look like it went on forever and I did this by getting down low with the subject, changing the average view point. I took it at a vertical angle since I wanted to show as much as the path of stones that I could. One artistic quality I was able to demonstrate was a sense of meaning. The meaning behind it is a manmade vs nature aspect of the dirt on one side and the concrete on the other and a wall of stones separating them. Also, the leaves have fallen to the concrete side, which could also represent how nature is taking over manmade things. The picture again was captured at an interesting worms eye view giving a unique perspective upon the stones. I would say the subject holds the viewers attention since deep into the photo there is a sense of meaning and the composition makes for a detailed, compelling subject.
Photo #4: Holly
Compositional Elements/Principles:
- Framing
- Positive & negative space
- Texture
Technical Aspects:
- Lighting
- Contrast
Artistic Qualities:
- Sense of mood (mystery)
- Compelling subject matter
Photo #5: Bridge
Compositional Elements/Principles:
- Point of view- worms eye
- Depth- Foreground/ Middleground/Background
- Pattern/Line
Technical Aspects:
- Shallow depth of field
- Lighting
Artistic Qualities:
- Interesting point of view
Photo #6: Flowers
Compositional Elements/ Principles:
- Texture
- Focal point
- Rule of thirds
Technical Aspects:
- Shallow depth of field
- Focus
- Color
Artistic Qualities:
- Compelling subject matter
- Sense of mood (happy)